MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said true freedom could be witnessed among Filipinos who fight and overcome their daily struggles.
In his 126th Independence Day message, the Chief Executive said he is inspired by ordinary Filipinos who survive challenges through their courage and strength.
“While the times may be different, our struggles remain the same. We continue to witness the true spirit of freedom in every Filipino who fights fairly in their day-to-day lives,” Marcos said.
“We see it in the resilience of our farmers and fisherfolks as they provide us sustenance. We see it in the dedication of our teachers as they nurture the minds of the future generation,” he added.
“We see it in the tenacity of our soldiers as they protect every inch of our territory, adamant as they are in the certainty that Filipinos do not, and shall never, succumb to oppression,” Marcos further said.
The President recalled that “on that glorious day in Kawit, Cavite 126 years ago, the triumphant tunes of our national anthem echoed throughout the jubilant air as our flag freely waved for the first time.”
“It heralded the birth of the Philippines and declared to the world the untiring resolve of the Filipinos to chart their own destiny as a sovereign nation,” he added.
The Chief Executive also praised the strong sense of nationalism of Filipinos as well as their resolve to be united in protecting the freedom that was fought for by their ancestors.
“A century and a quarter have passed since we unshackled the chains of subjugation yet the fervor of nationalism persistently burns brightly in each of us today. We stand united as ever, upholding with pride the hard-earned liberty bequeathed to us by our forebears,” Marcos said.
“As we celebrate the founding of our nation today, let us dedicate ourselves to the challenging but rewarding task of realizing the full potential of the Filipinos and building a Bagong Pilipinas — one that truly embodies the ideals of a just, progressive, and independent Republic,” he added./PN
